The former was down, but the gates were closed, and all the formalities of a fortress in time of war were observed on my admission, though the garrison appeared to consist only of two or three serving-men and as many foresters.

I had leisure after sending in my name to observe that the house was old and partly ruinous, but of great strength, covered in places with ivy, and closely surrounded by woods.

A staid-looking page came presently to me, and led me up a narrow staircase to a parlour lighted by two windows, looking, one into the courtyard, the other towards the town.

There a tall man was waiting to receive me, who rose on my entrance and came forward.

Judge of my surprise when I recognised my acquaintance of the afternoon! 'M.
de Rosny ?' I exclaimed, standing still and looking at him in confusion.
'The same, sir,' he answered, with a quiet smile.